Paul French, commercial market manager at British Gypsum details the importance of ensuring accurate data for BIM projects
The use of BIM is increasing rapidly across the construction sector. By 2016 it will be compulsory for fully collaborative BIM processes to be used on all government projects greater than £5m in value.
The wider industry is adopting BIM as a way to more accurately predict and ensure performance throughout the life of the building; from initial design to operation and even deconstruction.
It is suggested that by 2016 over half of UK projects will use the method1. In order to get the best out of BIM, accuracy of product and system objects is essential.
BIM can decrease waste, increase the efficiency of building operation and assist collaborative working throughout the design and construction process. The large amount of information which is compiled at the beginning of the project makes the management of the building easier after handover and improves the ability to recycle efficiently at the demolition/refurbishment stage.
Using BIM objects
Critical to the realisation of the benefits BIM can bring to the construction industry is the use of BIM objects that are current and updated in real-time. To support this, British Gypsum launched the White Book System Selector in January this year, which is an online tool designed to help streamline the specification process for construction professionals.
It allows specifiers to search and filter through tested British Gypsum plaster, drylining and ceiling system solutions to select the right specifications for the job. Building Information Modelling objects (.rvt), CAD (.dwg) drawings, National Building Specification (NBS) Clauses and product and system datasheets (.pdf) are then available to download for the chosen solutions.
This allows specifiers to retrieve important information in a few easy steps. Featuring simple and easy to follow search criteria, familiar to users of the White Book, this tool enables specifiers to filter by a variety of performance requirements, such as fire and acoustics, and be presented with a relevant solution for the job.
The holistic efficiency benefits that the use of BIM can bring to a construction project throughout its entire life can only be realised if accurate data is used, therefore it’s vital to include high-quality product information, and where better to get this than direct from the product manufacturer?
1 Competitive Advantage, Adoption of BIM 2013
Paul French
Commercial Market Manager
British Gypsum
